Metta/LU
FK Liepaja
Rigas FS
Riga FC
BFC Daugavpils
FK Jelgava
FK Spartaks Jurmala
Valmiera FC
FK Ventspils
Tukums 2000
FK Auda
SK Super Nova
Skonto Riga
SC Grobinas
SK Babite
Skanstes SK
Wikipedia - Latvian Higher League
Latvian Higher League or Virslīga, known for sponsorship reasons as TonyBet Virslīga since 2024, is a professional football league and the top tier of association football in Latvia. Organised by the Latvian Football Federation, the Higher League is contested by 10 clubs.
History
History
The first all-national Latvian championship - the Virslīga - which succeeded the Riga Football League and other, parallel regional leagues, was organized in 1927. It succeeded the previous Latvian Championship (Latvian: Latvijas čempionāts futbolā) that was held from 1922 to 1926 in similar fashion.
The Virslīga lasted until the Soviet occupation of Latvia in 1940. After World War II, between 1945 and 1991 the championship of Soviet Latvia was the main footballing competition in the Latvian SSR.
With Latvia regaining full independence in August 1991, the newly established Latvian Football Federation (LFF) decided to reorganise its competitions within the Virslīga from 1992. The same year Latvia returned to FIFA and became a member of UEFA.
The tournament features a total of ten teams competing against each other in a round-robin format, with each team playing against every other team twice throughout the season. The matches are held in various stadiums across Latvia, creating a vibrant and electric atmosphere for both players and spectators.
The Latvia Virsliga is known for its high level of competition and intense rivalries between the participating teams. The matches are characterized by fast-paced action, skillful displays of technique, and strategic gameplay. The tournament provides a platform for players to showcase their abilities and potentially catch the attention of scouts from international clubs.
The tournament also serves as a significant avenue for promoting soccer in Latvia and nurturing young talent. It encourages the development of local players and provides them with an opportunity to compete at a professional level. The Latvia Virsliga has produced several notable players who have gone on to represent the national team and achieve success in international competitions.
Fans of the Latvia Virsliga are known for their passionate support, creating an electric atmosphere in the stadiums. The tournament attracts a diverse range of spectators, from families and casual fans to die-hard supporters who cheer on their favorite teams with unwavering loyalty.
The Latvia Virsliga culminates in a thrilling championship match, where the top two teams battle it out for the coveted title. The winning team not only earns the prestigious honor of being crowned the champions of Latvia but also secures a spot in European club competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europa League.
Overall, the Latvia Virsliga is a highly competitive and exciting soccer tournament that showcases the best of Latvian soccer talent. It brings together communities, fosters national pride, and contributes to the growth and development of the sport in the country.